polite

adjective

po·​lite pə-ˈlīt How to pronounce polite (audio)
politer; politest
1
a
: of, relating to, or having the characteristics of advanced culture
b
: marked by refined cultural interests and pursuits especially in arts and belles lettres
2
a
: showing or characterized by correct social usage
b
: marked by an appearance of consideration, tact, deference, or courtesy
c
: marked by a lack of roughness or crudities
polite literature
politely adverb
politeness noun
Choose the Right Synonym for polite

civil, polite, courteous, gallant, chivalrous mean observant of the forms required by good breeding.

civil often suggests little more than the avoidance of overt rudeness.

owed the questioner a civil reply

polite commonly implies polish of speech and manners and sometimes suggests an absence of cordiality.

if you can't be pleasant, at least be polite

courteous implies more actively considerate or dignified politeness.

clerks who were unfailingly courteous to customers

gallant and chivalrous imply courteous attentiveness especially to women.

gallant suggests spirited and dashing behavior and ornate expressions of courtesy.

a gallant suitor of the old school

chivalrous suggests high-minded and self-sacrificing behavior.

a chivalrous display of duty

Examples of polite in a Sentence

It was polite of him to hold the door for them. Please be polite to the guests. It isn't polite to interrupt people when they're talking. She received some polite applause despite the mistakes in her performance.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
An unspoken rule is to be honest and polite on resumes and during interviews. Bryan Robinson, Forbes, 1 Dec. 2024 Lots of work goes into planning busy holidays, and expecting the restaurant to make major adjustments isn’t realistic or polite. Maggie Gillette, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 Nov. 2024 There are polite hellos and comfortable understandings that the day will go on like any other family holiday, for the sake of being together on a special occasion. Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 21 Nov. 2024 Watch on Disney+ Poor Things Emma Stone is on a mission as Bella Baxter, a young woman who is ready to experience all this world has to offer her, regardless of what is deemed polite or appropriate. Jennifer M. Wood, WIRED, 21 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for polite 

Word History

Etymology

Middle English (Scots) polit, Latin politus, from past participle of polire

First Known Use

circa 1500, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of polite was circa 1500

Dictionary Entries Near polite

Cite this Entry

“Polite.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/polite. Accessed 13 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

polite

adjective
po·​lite pə-ˈlīt How to pronounce polite (audio)
politer; politest
1
: showing good taste or training : refined
polite society
polite forms of address
2
: showing consideration and courtesy : courteous
politely adverb
politeness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on polite

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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